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2011 LIFE Regional Meeting SeriesMay 19, 2011Rochester, New York

Christopher CollNYSERDA

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The affordability of household energy bills depend on a number of factors:

• Income

• Housing

• Energy

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• 13.5% of New York’s population reside in Western New York

• 14.5% of Western New York’s population is age 65 and older

• HDD: 6,542 in WNY compared to 5,685 statewide

Source: USDA Economic Research

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• Poverty rate of 12.8%, represents 12.4% of NYS population in poverty

• Unemployment Rate of 8.5% in 2010, compared with 8% for the rest of the State

• 5.2% of NYS foreclosures in March 2011 (2,300 homes)

• Median Household income was $46,974 in 2009, compared to $54,554 statewideSource: USDA Economic Research

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Source: 2009 ACS

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Source: 2009 ACS

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2000 US Census, 2009 ACS

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HH Energy Expenses

Remaining HH Income

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• Measure developed by Roger Colton (Fisher, Sheehan, & Colton)

• “Affordable” home energy bills should be equal to approximately 6% of annual income – Total housing burdens are affordable at 30% of income– Utility costs should be no more than 20% of housing costs – Utility costs affordable at 6% of income

• LIFE commissioned a NYS specific study, due out June 2011

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Source: NEADA 2009 National Energy Assistance Survey, April 2010

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Source: NEADA 2009 National Energy Assistance Survey, April 2010

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Source: NEADA 2009 National Energy Assistance Survey, April 2010

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